The Legend of A Master
DISCLAIMER – I DO NOT OWN POKEMON OR NARUTO, THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
Chapter 10: Where Waterflowers grow
Eon looked around perched on his shoulder. He seemed fascinated by the water and the people around him.
"Okay, Eon this is going to be your first gym battle. You feeling good?"
"Yeah! I'm good"
The Cerulean Gym was a large swimming pool stadium where a popular water show was held. The stars of the show were the gym leaders: Daisy, Violet, and Lily Waterflower. However, the most skilled Gym leader from them was the youngest sister Misty Waterflower. Arion hoped he would get to battle the youngest sister.
It seemed like a show had just finished as a large crowd was leaving the arena.
"That was a good show right?"
"Totally!"
Arion entered the large dome-shaped arena. There were three women at the edge of the pool drying their hair and drinking some water.
"That flip today was totally perfect Lily!"
"Yeah totally!"
"Excuse me..."
Three sets of eyes turned to the well-dressed trainer. They completely scanned over his appearance.
"Heeelllooo there, cutie" They strode up to the young child with a playful sway.
"What can we do for you?" Daisy said fluttering her eyelids flirtatiously.
"I'm here for a gym battle," Arion said softly lifting his Pokedex for them to see. And with that, they completely lost interest.
"Oh," they sighed disappointedly.
"Well, I'm the gym leader you're looking for" Arion turned around to see a 15-year-old girl. She had her orange hair in a single spiky ponytail.
"Insert your Pokedex over there please," she said gesturing towards the slit on the challenger's side of the arena. Arion jogged over to the trainer podium and did as instructed. A robotic voice called out overhead as Misty made her way to her podium.
"This will be a three on three battle between the Gym Leader Misty Waterflower and the challenger Arion Tokugawa"
"Goldeen, I choose you" Misty shouted.
The goldfish Pokemon appeared in the pool of clear water. Arion chose a Pokeball from his belt.
"Eon, Prepare for battle"
The Shiny Eevee appeared in a sparkle of light raring to go. All the gym leaders lost their minds at the sight at the adorable little fox.
"It's sooooooo cuuuuute!" Arion simply shook his head smiling.
"Ready Eon"
"You bet!"
"Let the Battle Begin!"
"Goldeen let's start off with a Horn Attack" Misty shouted, the goldfish Pokemon was swift to obey swimming forward furiously her horn shining. Arion took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders and settled into a stance.
"Quick attack to dodge"
The evolution Pokemon became a white blur as it moved from platform to platform effortlessly dodging Goldeen's diligent attempts as attacking.
"Use fury attack and follow until you hit it Goldeen" the water pokemon acquiesced turning its focus to the silver streak trying to nail him with her attack. This continued for a while until Goldeen began to tire.
"Use Shadow Ball" An orb of ghostly energy gathered in Eevee's mouth as the small fox flung the ball towards the goldfish Pokemon.
"Use Mega Horn to neutralize Shadow Ball!" With a swift strike, the ghostly orb indeed disappeared, however, Goldeen did not expect the smoke to camouflage a certain silver fox.
"Dodge Goldeen!"
"Thunder Tail!"
Two commands were shouted but the fox was faster slamming an iron tail imbued with a thunderbolt right on Goldeen's crest. The goldfish Pokemon stood no chance, fainting on the impact of the super-effective attack.
Misty narrowed her eyes.
"Am I seeing right? that Eevee... has electric attacks? I must have heard wrong"
"Return Goldeen" The fish Pokemon was returned in a red beam of light.
"Thank you for trying" Misty whispered to her defeated Pokemon.
"That was pretty good Arion" He simply smiled, settling into another stance and responded with the universal 'bring it' gesture. Misty smiled again.
"Let's go, Starmie!"
The Mysterious Pokemon made its appearance spinning away, without skipping a beat, Misty commanded...
"Starmie, Rapid Spin!"
Unprepared for the immediate attack Eon was hit dead centre. As Starmie returned to his platform, Eon struggled to his feet.
"You good Eon?"
"Good to go."
"Okay then, Let's kick things off with a Swift" Leaping into the air Eevee produced several dusty golden stars and flung them towards the Sentient Star.
"Rapid Spin to dodge Starmie!" Misty shouted.
Starmie jumped into the air and began to spin to keep itself afloat.
"Use Swift too, Starmie" The mysterious star Pokemon still in the midst of spinning hurled the dusty golden stars at the fox. What the Gym Leader didn't count on was the fact Eevee's swift hadn't only been to attack, it had also been to generate enough energy to rise higher mid-air.
"Okay, Thunderbolt Eon!"
"WHAt!"
Sure enough, Eon released a huge bolt of electric energy right at the Sentient Star.
"Counter with Hyper Beam!" The star Pokemon did so. As the humongous attacks met in the middle knocking out both Pokemon in mid-air. The resulting force slammed Starmie into the wall behind Misty. Arion leapt to catch Eon in mid-air landing on one of the platforms. He took a moment to cradle his starter carefully as the Evolution Pokemon nuzzled into his trainer apologetically.
"You did so well Eon. Rest now" Arion praised the silver fox as he made his way back to his podium cradling him carefully. He gently placed the fox on the ground as he curled up next to his feet. Draco the Axew decided to make an appearance releasing himself to sit in front of Eon. Arion responded with a brief pat on Draco and Eon's heads.
"Watch your brother for me Draco" he commanded gently as the baby dragon gave an adorable wave of understanding.
"Release your next Pokemon, Arion"
"Storm, I need your assistance"
Out popped a majestic Pidgeotto. He gave his wings a few flaps getting used to his surroundings.
"Here's my final Pokemon, Gyarados, I choose you!"
A gigantic sea serpent emerged in red light. He gave out an indignant roar.
"Storm, Aerial Agility!"
Pidgeotto disappeared in a streak of white. Gyarados tried to follow but ultimately couldn't.
"Gyarados, use Twister"
The Sea Serpent whipped up the draconic tornado but Pidgeotto was fast, slamming into the back of Gyarados's head. He roared in rage.
"No Gyarados calm down" The Sea Serpent roared again and charged up a Hyper Beam.
"Storm, Giga Impact." In a dash of speed, Storm slammed into right dead centre into Gyarados. The tall Serpent started to fall over as Pidgeotto backed away once more.
"Finish with Brave Bird"
Blue flames enveloped Storm's entire body as he made a final charge and smashed right into the rogue Sea Serpent and he fell over defeated. As Misty returned her Gyarados, Arion frowned.
"Is he always this hostile?"
"Usually" Misty sighed.
Arion frowned. Was it his place?
"Please don't use him to fight new trainers. They may be seriously injured" Misty looked at the boy once more. His eyes glimmered with experience though he was young. It wasn't condescending the way he said it, merely concerned.
"Also..." She looked up again.
"Release him again" Misty looked at him surprised but complied. The giant Pokemon made a reappearance disgruntled. Arion made his way close hopping on platforms until he could touch the Sea Serpent. He raised his hand and closed his eyes.
"There there nice and calm."
The sea serpent seemed to enjoy the energy emanating from the boy. He closed his crimson eyes and simply let the energy flow.
"What troubles you?"
"Freedom"
"Show me."
Arion was transported to bright blue seas teeming with schools of Magikarp and hoards of Tentacool. The sea breeze against his face as he felt Gyarados's memory.
"What do you want?"
"I want to travel and see new oceans."
Arion stroked his crest once more before turning to the Gym Leader.
"Your Gyarados feels confined. He wants to travel and see the world's ocean not stuck in a swimming pool every day"
Misty could understand the sentiment. She too was shackled to the gym in a manner, not unlike her Gyarados.
"It isn't my place to say anything, but you don't exactly look happy here either"
The gym leader was surprised at his perceptiveness. She shook her head sadly in return.
"My sisters aren't interested in handling the affairs of the gym, it is up to me as the last Waterflower sister" her eyes glimmered with unshed tears. The crimson eyed boy frowned slightly at her obvious sadness.
"You should do what you think is best for you to grow as a trainer..." he whispered as he stroked the hard scales of the sea dragon.
"We are often held back by chains we put around ourselves. It is obvious that you are stuck here, you don't know how to move forward, so it might just be that you need to experience new things as well."
Misty fell into a contemplative silence.
"...It is something I will consider" She then presented him with his winnings.
"As proof of victory at the Cerulean City Gym, I present to you the Cascade badge, Congratulations" he accepted his badge pinning it securely in his badge case. He bowed to the Gym Leader.
"Thank you for the match" Misty beamed.
"Thank you for the advice" They shook hands. Arion gathered up Eon and Draco into his arms and left the gym happier. One more badge down, six more to go.
Bill was buzzing with excitement. Professor Oak had promised to send Arion Tokugawa to collect the package from him! He had so many questions for the guy, they could bond over so much research!
"Now to get into character!"
A FEW HOURS LATER
"Excuse me!" Arion frowned at the lack of reply.
"Is anybody home?" again just silence. Did Bill forget that someone was coming and head out? It was certainly possible the Poke Maniac was very enthusiastic in his research. He was about to turn back when the door opened for him.
"Hmmm" A pink blob appeared with cartoonish eyes.
"A Ditto?"
The transform Pokemon appeared to be gesturing with his whole body performing an amusing dance.
"You want me to follow you?" He had apparently been right on the money because Ditto flipped up and gave him a close approximation to a thumbs up.
"Okay then, lead the way"
It was odd maybe to be following a sentient pink blob but in his life, as a shinobi and Trainer, he had dealt with far stranger phenomenon. He took in the darkened rooms of the mansion. It wasn't exactly falling apart but one could definitely not call it pristine. It was completely possible that Bill just forgot to call someone in for maintenance from time to time.
"Grrrrr"
An eyebrow shot up as he was met face to face with a 7 foot tall Kabuto, which was absurd as Kabuto reportedly only reached about a foot and a half in height. Ditto started doing a swaying motion before pointing to the Kabuto and looking back at Arion.
"You're telling me that there's someone in there?" once again Ditto performed a flip with a happy cry. When he thought about it, it did make sense. As he approached the Kabuto he noticed the button that the costume's arms were too short to press. With a quick prod, the pieces fell apart and out popped a dishevelled Pokemaniac.
"Thank you so much!" the man was actually crying tears of relief. Arion just blinked at him.
"You're welcome mister"
As the man took his time to stretch and reorient, he grew excited and animated once more.
"Ohh you're Arion! I've heard so much about you" with dexterity Arion was surprised the man possessed he was pulled into a vigorous handshake.
"We really must discuss your latest theories, they are simply marvellous. I never would have thought of it myself and you are still so young!" The man rambled on and on not really letting Arion get in a word edgewise. Though Arion didn't mind, he simply listened and nodded at the appropriate moments. Hours passed as the two went through several pots of tea.
"Anyways, I must take your leave to deliver the package"
"Ah yes, the package! Are you sure you don't want to stick around for the large shadow, it'll be fascinating for sure!" Arion's eyes furrowed as he leaned back relaxing his neck.
"A large Dragonite"
"Yes, it will indeed be - huh?" Arion looked straight ahead.
"What you're dealing with is probably a large Dragonite, you might want to call Lance for this one" Bill looked gobsmacked.
"You know what it is from that flimsy description?" Arion just tilted his head.
"I have a gift for these sort of things" as he bowed and left the man to his own devices.
"Arion! Welcome home" the small blur crashed into the boy with surprising speed. His shinobi instincts kicked in as he easily caught her in a hug.
"Leaf" he smiled softly, as he tenderly kissed the younger girl's forehead. It had not been long since he had left but he had missed the little girl.
"Have you been good?" the young girl nodded eagerly, shaking so fast Arion was scared she'd scramble her brains.
"I brought back a little present for you" Leaf's eyes grew wide.
He held out a simple pendant. With a thin, elegant but sturdy chain it had a decorative leaf as its centrepiece as it wrapped itself around its own structure. He had spotted it at Kimiko's and the piece had reminded him of the excitable young girl.
Awestruck, Leaf gently took the necklace with shaking hands. Her eyes shimmered as she held it close.
"Thanks, Arion" Arion smiled and kissed her eyelids.
"Do you want me to..." Leaf nodded quickly shifting her hair as Arion clasped the necklace gently.
"So where's the Professor?" they started towards the lab together. Leaf giggled and ran forward.
"Follow me!"
"But I think I can still go on!"
Hinata simply caught his flailing hands and gave him a pointed look. Burned and blistered from electricity, Naruto flinched as Hinata pressed lightly his palm.
"Sasuke-nii would scold you if he knew" Naruto pouted at that. While Hinata was right, Sasuke was a bit of a hypocrite in these matters. The older boy would tear his own body apart (though he was getting better about it now) but not allow anyone training under him to do the same.
"B-but... I'm almost done!" a pupilless glare shut him up.
"Exactly, so you can finish up easily tomorrow after you get some rest"
Now Naruto bickered with the best of them, he could talk and argue for hours together. But arguing with Hinata wasn't good for his health. Not only would she get mad, but she would also get upset that he wasn't taking care of himself. Naruto didn't like seeing Hinata be sad.
"...fine" he turned to retrieve his gear. But before he could fully turn, Hinata caught his hands again as he hissed. Startled, she held on softly. Soothing green chakra coated their joined hands as Hinata focused intently on the Mystic palm technique.
Her focused attention made Naruto flush. He had never been more thankful for his tan skin.
Hinata was blissfully unaware of her partner's unease. Completely focused on soothing the area and stitching the skin back together. Once finished she mindlessly pressed a kiss to his palm. Naruto felt himself growing faint.
"Are you okay Naruto-kun? You look dizzy" Her mouth pinched in concern she rose to feel his forehead. Naruto jumped back violently.
"I'm Fine! Really" Hinata frowned once more but didn't push her best friend.
"C'mon Hinata-chan, I'll walk you home"
"Truly fascinating, Thanks for dropping this off Arion"
"It's my pleasure professor" Arion pet the Nidoran in his lap once more as Leaf carefully groomed him.
"Oh! are you coming to the party Arion? Please say you are! pretty please?!" Looking to the professor for clarification, The older man pulled out a fancily embossed envelope out of his lab coat.
"A friend sent over tickets for the S. Conference. It's a black-tie event. I'm told that most of the original dexholders will be attending... they would all like to meet you"
Arion's eyebrow climbed towards his hairline with every new piece of information.
"What's the conference about?" Professor Oak looked thoughtful.
"Well it's officially a Pokemon Professor idea exchange Conference, the dexholders are attending because they were instrumental in collecting data for every region but it's really just a reason for them to get together and hang out" Arion still wasn't convinced.
"And the Dexholders voted for a black-tie event? That lot? really?" Professor Oak laughed lightly.
"More like Ruby desperately wanted to do some designing and the rest just gave up"
"I dunno Professor..." He felt his resolve start to crumble as Leaf pouted at him with extreme puppy dog eyes.
"Pleasseeeee come! You can hang out with me! It'll be really fun, I promise"
"It's good for you to mingle with people Arion" Looking at the aged professor and then to the pouting girl beside him he sighed.
"Seems like I have to go suit shopping"
Signing Off,
The Aura Phoenix